What do you think of this one? (wtb h16)

Buy new stuff from Hobie, or another name you can trust. I've heard plenty of horror stories about rigging.

On the boat. Don't plunge too much money into it. Don't go by a brand new set of sails for it. Try and find a good used set. New boats come with new sails, and after a while you'll wonder why you're dumping so much money into it. If you can get a good deal on this one. Replace what needs to be replaced and sail it. Racing in B fleet doesn't take a heck of alot of boat to be competitive. In two years, or whatever, when you're getting bored with B fleet, go buy a 95' or newer boat like Matt said. When you start thinking you're boat is what is holding you back after racing A Fleet for a while bite the bullet and go get a brand new one.

I talked to the owner of the boat and offered $500. He said he would really even consider selling it for under $1000. I guess he's not a very motivated seller--he's got kids that apparently will be able to sail the boat in a few years so he's not really looking to sell. I tried to tell him all the work it need and he didn't buy it. He was convinced that the lines on the boat are just fine... Oh well. I need to decide what I'm willing to pay for the boat and take it from there.

Saw another boat--an 85, I think, and it was in rougher shape. The bottom had tons of beach wear, fg repairs, with tape lifting, etc. I did the stiffness check in front of the uprights and it didn't seem as stiff as the other boat, and made a bit of a crackle when i touched in one place, so I'm thinking I'll stay away from that boat. In addition, the trailer's two main bars were rusted through on 3/4 sides--I wouldn't even sit the boat on it, let alone move the boat on it. The guy said he'd let it go for 1500. I'm not touching that.

So I guess I'm still on the hunt if I decide not to up my offer... It'll be unfortunate that that first boat didn't work out.

_________________
A ship in harbor is safe -- but that is not what ships are built for.

Webb '10